Klarinet Archive - Posting 001288.txt from 1999/01

From: Note Staff Unlimited <notestaff@-----.ch>
Subj: [kl] Pinky keys on Bass Clarinet
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 16:57:29 -0500

GrabnerWG@-----.com schrieb:

> In a message dated 1/23/99 12:25:33 PM Central Standard Time,
> leeson@-----.edu writes:
>
> << Roger Garrett in describing Schifrin's clarinet mentioned that the
> thumb keys have been replaced with additional touchpieces to be operated
> by the pinkies.
>
> For those of us who have played bass clarinets and basset horns with
> thumb keys, such a change would be wonderful.
>
> Dan Leeson....and other bass clarinet players:
>
> I also have the three dreaded thumb keys for low D, Db, C. I agree that
> sliding from one to the other is NOT my best technical skill. However, Dan,
> you mentioned that it is easier for bassoonists to slide the thumbs since the
> weight of the bassoon is NOT supported by the thumb, leaving the thumb free
> to navigate extra keys.
>
> To alleviate this problem for myself, I built a bass clarinet stand last
> summer. I basically bought a bunch of "stuff" at the hardware store and sawed,
> drilled, assembled until I had an adjustable stand for the instrument.
>
> I made it so that the instrument is held on the stand while playing, with all
> the weight supported directly. The right thumb is only used to keep the
> embouchure pressure from pushing the instrument away from the body. With all
> weight and support requirements taken of the thumb, I found a wonderful new
> fluency to my bass clarinet technique. Also I can play a lot longer with out
> fatigue, including less fatigue for the neck and shoulders as well as my right
> thumb/hand/arm.
>
> I was very careful to allow adjustment for the angle of the instrument, and as
> much as is possible with such a long instrument, the height.
>
> Anyway, this was my solution, and so far it is working well. Any comment?
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAVO! (Er, how much did you say it costs?)

David
David Glenn
notestaff@-----.ch

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